Stockport ready for Bolton test before Wembley trip
Dave Challinor has described Stockport County’s Easter Monday trip to Bolton Wanderers as a brilliant occasion, with the Hatters boss fully aware of both the scale of the challenge and the importance of the match in the play-off race.
Stockport arrive in strong form after beating Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 on Friday, a result that kept the pressure on those above them and left them fifth in the table, three points behind Bolton with a game in hand. That context alone makes this one of the standout fixtures of the weekend, and Challinor has not tried to downplay it.
“It will be a brilliant atmosphere,” he said.
“Our supporters will travel in their numbers and Bolton will be really backed, they always are at home. It’s a great game for everybody, especially on the back of both teams winning today.”
He also made it clear that Wanderers’ quality is no accident, describing them as a side who are exactly where they deserve to be and noting the strength of their squad. That is a fair assessment given Bolton’s recent push, but Stockport have every reason to travel with confidence as well, especially given their record in this fixture over the last few seasons.
The interesting wrinkle is that Wembley is just around the corner for County, who face Luton Town in the Vertu Trophy final next weekend. Challinor’s job now is to ensure nobody drifts mentally towards that occasion too early, because a result at Bolton would strengthen their league position and send them into the national stadium with even more momentum.